DOG BAN LIFTED AT PIER
BANGOR CITY COUNCIL TO LIFT BAN AS PART OF A SIX-MONTH TRIAL
DOGS are set to return to a Gwynedd pier following a decision to overturn a ban on the animals...but cyclists and skateboarders are likely to be less happy.
A special sub-committee set up by Bangor City Council to look after the historic Garth Pier voted this week to allow dogs but ban the use of bikes and skateboards along the 1,500ft structure.
The decision to overturn the long-standing dog ban for an initial six-month trial will now go before a meeting of the full council on November 6.
It follows a social media poll by Bangor City and Gwynedd coun- cillor Nigel Pickavance, which saw 226 people vote for dogs with a lead to be allowed on the pier, and just nine people vote against.
Cllr Pickavance, who is a dog owner himself, said most other piers allowed dogs, including Beaumaris and Llandudno.
“If the trial proves successful, we will extend it,” he said.
“Hopefully, there will be no issues. In my opinion, the people of Bangor have spoken and the city council have listened.”
At Monday’s meeting, councillors also voted to ban bicycles, skateboards and similar vehicles from the pier, although people will be allowed to walk their bikes or carry skateboards.
Cllr Pickavance said councillors were also concerned that there is not enough and proper signage to point people towards the pier to increase footfall.
Regarding dogs on the pier, city council clerk Ian Jones said: “It is a temporary trial. The decision was well supported but there were also some concerns.
“It now needs to be agreed by the full council. Dogs must be on a lead and under control by their owners. They must pick up their dog mess.”
Mr Jones conceded that it would not be easy to police the trial, but said rule-breakers would be asked to leave the pier by city council staff.
“It’s up to dog owners to be responsible and make it a good experience for everybody,” he said.
Bangor’s Garth Pier - the second longest in Wales - was built in 1896, and is currently undergoing a £1m restoration.